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Govt has ‘significantly addressed’ concerns over Remote Gambling Bill: Social gaming trade body

SINGAPORE – Global non-profit trade body The International Social Games Association (ISGA) has commended the Government for “significantly” addressing its concerns over the Remote Gambling Bill, which was passed in Parliament last month.

Angry Birds Star Wars. Photo: Reuters

Angry Birds Star Wars. Photo: Reuters

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SINGAPORE – Global non-profit trade body The International Social Games Association (ISGA) has commended the Government for “significantly” addressing its concerns over the Remote Gambling Bill, which was passed in Parliament last month.

The ISGA said today (Nov 11) that it “understands from the wrap up speech” that the legislation is not meant to cover social games, where players do not play for a chance of winning money and where the game design does not allow the player to convert in-game credits to actual money or real merchandise outside the game.

The ISGA also noted a Media Development Authority (MDA) statement on Oct 6, which reiterated that the Bill is not intended to impede the development of legitimate gaming businesses and that the Ministry of Home Affairs will continue to work with the MDA and the industry to explain the application of the law.

The ISGA last month had raised concerns that the Bill could stifle Singapore’s fledging digital video games industry. The group felt the Bill was overbroad and could inadvertently encompass legitimate activities, such as social games like Angry Birds. The ISGA took issue with the Bill’s definition of remote gambling.

Chief executive of the ISGA, Mr Luc Delany, said: “ISGA appreciates the responsiveness of the Singapore Government on this matter and looks forward to being a partner and resource in developing Singapore’s social games and technology sector. We are also ever-ready to be a resource to the MHA and MDA in the rule-making exercise with respect to the effectuation of the Remote Gambling Bill.”

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